Synopsis: The outcome of this project has been an inexpensive, simple to use, scientifically accepted, passive sampling device that can be deployed to obtain long-term average ambient concentrations of organic PBTs and Hg. Research was conducted to determine the ideal design of a passive sampler housing that will minimize variations in sampling rate due to wind conditions and developing a model that can be used to predict airflow within the sampler based on wind conditions.

Chemicals Studied: The sampler design developed and studied can be used with any chemical appropriate for collecting with a passive sampling media. In addition, work was done to parameterize a sampler for collecting mercury on a gold foil sheet.

Project Duration: The project began in the Spring of 2005 and concluded in early 2008.

Methods Used: Computation fluid dynamic (CFD) computer programs were used for preliminary design of sampler housings that will minimize air flow variations. Predicted results were verified by wind tunnel experiments conducted using several prototype housings. The resulting design were then field tested and validated alongside a Hi-Vol sampler.

Potential Results and Implications: The outcome of this project is an inexpensive, simple to use, scientifically accepted, passive sampling device that can be deployed to obtain long-term average ambient concentrations of organic PBTs and mercury. This development will directly assist states and other stakeholders in making informed decisions about how to assess and reduce the deposition and impacts of the contaminants being addressed because passive samplers will allow more information about atmospheric concentrations of PBTS to be obtained at lower costs. The deployment of these samplers in and around urban areas would give much better estimates of air concentration gradients leading directly to better deposition estimates. Deployed at new or existing sites outside of urban areas they will give clearer signals of long-term average concentrations that can be used in current and new models of atmospheric fate and transport. Passive samplers deployed near suspected sources can be used to determine if concentrations in an area are elevated, and can be used to verify emission factors in conjunction with dispersion models. Similarly passive samplers deployed at strategic locations can be used to verify atmospheric and multi-media modeling.

Download the project results summary (pdf)

Project Contact:
Clarkson University
Dr. Thomas Holsen
Phone: (315)268-3851
Email: holsen@clarkson.edu